UC deduction from elderly relative living with me

trayharlem
trayharlem Community Member Posts: 16 Listener
edited April 28 in Universal Credit (UC)

Hi, I’m a carer for a Disabled child on high care DLA, awarded 11th March. Updated UC on the 17th April when I found out. I have given up work to be her full timer carer. Money has been tight so was pleased with the decision. My elderly mother lives me, is on regular pension in her 70’s has been on my UC claim as someone that lives with me for 3 years. Today I got my UC payment they have given me the right amount with higher care component but deducted £93 for my mum living with me. This is the first this has ever happened. I thought I was getting a bit more but then they’re taking some of it back 😂 is this normal? I don’t ask for any money from her as she buys her own food, was repossessed from her old home so has ongoing debts & already struggling on the little pension she does get. Is this deduction normal, being she’s been on the claim for years & they haven’t done it before? I have messaged UC but rarely get a response. Any advice appreciated

Thanks

Tagged:

Comments

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 3,423 Online Community Team

    Hi @trayharlem. Are you claiming Carer's Allowance? Your UC payment will be reduced by an amount equal to the Carer's Allowance payment. https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/effect-on-other-benefits There are exceptions to this though if your mum gets a disability-related benefit, which are listed here https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/what-youll-get

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Community Member Posts: 5,900 Championing

    Hi,

    Is this the non-dependant deduction for the Housing Element?

    Usually an older relative would be subject to this but there are a few exemptions. If your Mother was originally considered homeless and seeking alternative accommodation, that may be why she was exempt from your claim originally but not any longer. If she gets any disability benefits herself, or gets Pension Credit, then she may also be exempt.

    This situation is a bit complex as it's your daughter that you are caring for, and your Mother who is creating the deduction. If you were the person being cared for and had disability benefits yourself, then there would not be any deductions made for others.

    Non dependant deductions: universal credit - Shelter England

Categories